Baby Matters Blog – Kolcraft.com

What is your Nursery Style?

lhillesland — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 15:31:27 +0000

You found out you’re pregnant and can’t wait to start designing the nursery. The problem is – you don’t know where to start. Even if you find the perfect crib, you’re still not sure what you’re aiming for with the overall style. Luckily, we prepared a fun quiz to let out your inner designer! By narrowing down what products you love, our quiz will lead you to what you’re really looking for: your personal nursery style. Here are your potential designs:

Boho Chic

You’re known as the “earthy” mama. Organic is totally your jam and your Instagram feed would not be complete without light brown, blue, and green accents. Kolcraft’s Elston crib speaks to your inner designer because it has a unique antique grey finish that goes well with jungle/woodland themes or your general boho chic theme. Recommended crib sheet pairing: Forest Palm.

City Chic

You’re a fan of neutral colors and classic themes. Instead of opting for a wacky nursery, you like simple color schemes like navy and grey. It’s no surprise that the Kolcraft Brooklyn crib would fit right in — its sturdy look reflects the strong boy or girl you plan to raise. You might not have a clear vision for your nursery, but you know that the Brooklyn’s clean simplicity will go well with any design direction you’re feeling. Recommended wallpaper: Goodnight Moon.

Creative

Instead of the trendy boho designs you keep finding on Pinterest, you’re looking for something a little different. You’re thinking of a specific theme-inspired nursery that emulates the creative genius of Dr. Seuss or Walt Disney. Maybe you know your little guy or gal is going to have a big imagination – falling down rabbit holes and getting into all sorts of nonsense. The Kolcraft Elise crib has uniquely curved ends that emulate that oddity / creativity you’re looking for. Recommended curtains: Charming Unicorns.

Mid-Century Modern

Your nursery style can best be described as “mid-century modern.” Think 1950’s home décor with an updated, nuanced twist. A crib like the Roscoe pairs well with pops of color throughout your nursery, but its chic style still remains the focal point. Recommended curtains: Navy Geometric.

Rustic Outdoors

Rustic. That’s what you think of when you’re designing your nursery. Perhaps you live in a mountainous area and have a large nursery that’s in need of a large statement piece. Kolcraft’s Bristol crib emulates the power and strength you want your little boy or girl to have, but the crib also emits a lightness that reminds you of the gentle, heart-warming feeling you get when you think of your little bundle of joy. Recommended wallpaper: Woodland Trees.

Vintage

For your nursery, you’re thinking more “class” than “sass.” You envision your baby’s room with contemporary simplicity, drawing on the vintage-feel of the early 1900s. Pair the classic Harper crib with floral decor or soft shades of blue or grey to totally ace the look. Recommended wallpaper: Hazy gray floral.

Take the quiz to find your style!

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Potty Training Stories

lhillesland — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 17:10:43 +0000

Hilarious… or scary? We asked and you shared: what are some of your best potty training stories?

Potty training can bring forth a multitude of feelings. You could feel excited and proud of your child and this next stage of his/her life. There could be moments where you can’t help but laugh. And then there are those moments that are downright scary. We asked our Kolcraft fans about their scariest / funniest / most absurd potty training stories… and the results will provide you with a good laugh for the day!

The student has become the teacher

When I was potty training my daughter she wanted to teach someone else to go potty. She thought our dog could also use the potty and tried to potty train our dog too!
While I was nursing my new little man, my toddler was running around saying that he had to go pee. I told him to wait 2 minutes while I finished and he said “ok.” Once I was done nursing I said, “let’s go sit on the potty.” His 6-year-old old brother replied, “it’s okay, mom. I taught him how to pee standing up like me.” Such a sweet gesture but the mess that I had to clean was unbelievable. Pee was literally on all 4 walls.

Just like mommy

One day I found my daughter on the potty with my bra diagonally on her and the iPad in her hand. When we made eye contact, she said very cheerfully “Look, mommy, I do it just like you.” It melted my heart while I couldn’t do anything but laugh.
My daughter is used to me motivating her during the potty training…Well, I had to go to the “potty” and she came into the bathroom and said, “Mommy did you pee pee?” I said, “Yes, Gia.” She said “Oh mommy, good job, I’m so proud of you! Now flush the toilet and wash your hands.”
My son and I both had to go to the bathroom while out shopping. As I’m standing with him, waiting for him to be done, he starts to say, “don’t worry mommy, I’ll help you poop when I’m done.” I swear the whole store must have heard him

Feeling chatty

In order to get my son on the potty, I would sit with him for over an hour and pretend to call one of his favorite cartoon characters. He would have a full-blown conversation with the character until he pooped. After about a dozen hour-long conversations he no longer held his poop in. We put a play phone in there and he goes potty just to call his favorite character to chat.
My son used to love to tell the whole world he could go pee pee on the potty. He would tell strangers at the grocery store “Hey! I can go pee pee on the potty now!” It was adorable and embarrassing at the same time.

Don’t rain on my parade

I let my daughter spend the whole day naked in order to make it easier for her to go potty. Later in the day, I came upon a giant puddle of pee in our kitchen and my daughter sliding and stomping through it. I bet she thought it was a rain puddle…

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Decorating the Nursery: Mid-Century Modern

lhillesland — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 13:56:11 +0000

Welcome to Part 1 of our “Decorating the Nursery” series. Now more than ever parents are decorating nurseries with a specific theme. We’re not just talking “pink” or “blue.” We’re talking about some very elaborate themes with furniture and décor planned as if it were to appear on an HGTV episode. For those of us without the designer thumb, your visionary nursery may seem like a pipe dream. Luckily, we’ll be providing you with some suggested items to get you started on the right foot. First up, Mid-Century Modern. You may be thinking, “Mid-Century what??” This fancy three-word term is meant to describe chic 1950’s house décor with a modern twist. Think of bright colors and angled furniture. Throw in some old school artwork and then welcome your baby into some mid-20^th century glam.

The Crib: Roscoe 3-in-1

The crib is the focal point of your nursery; so you’ll want to pick one that completely embodies your nursery theme. In this case, the Roscoe 3-in-1 Crib is the simplistic, modern crib you’re looking for. The clean white lines give the crib a classic look to go with any design, but the bottom legs are on a slight angle, which give it that modern pizazz. Center it in the nursery, add your mattress, and voila! Your crib is all set. Special reminder: All Kolcraft cribs are easy to assemble – no extra tools needed

The Crib Sheet: Seafoam Circles

Our friends at Caden Lane have a multitude of baby bedding materials, but for a Mid-Century Modern theme, we chose the Seafoam Circles crib sheet. Most likely, you’ll want the wall décor to contain those pops of modern color you’re looking for – so keep the bedding simple and geometric. This crib sheet keeps the bedding clean and neutral — allowing the other decor items to make the room pop with color. Plus, this is a perfect gender neutral set for those of you who want to wait to find out baby’s gender, but still want to set up the nursery beforehand.

The Decorative Pillow: Fletcher’s Farmhouse Plaid

Keeping with the neutral bedding, we think Caden Lane’s Fletcher’s Farmhouse Plaid pillow is cute, simple, gender neutral, and perfect for a mid-century modern look. Special reminder: Do not keep pillows or any other loose bedding in the crib while baby is sleeping.

The Reading Chair: Eliot Apartment

Joybird focuses on modern furniture and the Eliot Apartment will go well with the Mid-Century Modern theme you’re setting up. There’s a wide range of color choices, allowing you to keep it a simple gray to match the Caden Lane crib sheet, or select a bright yellow or blue for that pop of color. The “Key Largo Coral” or “Vibe Aquatic” shades give a special exuberant pop and are also gender neutral.

The Decorations: Red Wagon 1950s Flashcards

These flashcards are certainly a blast from the past. The old school designs are not only perfect for the Mid-Century Modern theme, but they’re also informative. Turn your nursery into a little classroom or just use the cute illustrations for more color inspiration.

The Rug: Claro Polka Dot Area Rug

Polka dots never go out of style – especially with kids. This colorful rug provides the color contrast you’ll need against the white Roscoe crib.

The Dresser: 3 Drawer Dresser in White

This simple dresser matches the Roscoe crib and is the perfect height for your changing pad.

The Fan: Hunter Cranbrook

This find from Lowe’s comes in gloss black or mint green. The mint green will pull your eye to the ceiling and balance out the color from other furniture pieces, but the gloss black is perfect if you’re going for all neutral colors. What’s important is the fine angled lines that resemble the Roscoe crib and Joybird chair.

More Mid-Century Modern Nursery: Kolcraft Pinterest Page

For more ideas on how to turn your nursery into a Mid-Century Modern glam pad, visit our Pinterest page! If you are new to the Kolcraft family, be sure to sign up for our newsletter for all the latest announcements.

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10 Best Potty Training Tips for Boys

mostapa — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:09:22 +0000

Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are ready to leave the diaper behind. You can do this. Keep your perspective. Potty training a boy may not always be fun, but it helps to keep your sense of humor! Laugh with others about the trials and tribulations of potty training; you’ll all have a story to tell. We listed a few tips for you and your boy, but remember that you know your son best and acknowledge his needs.

1. Ignore amazing tales of tried-and-true results. Well-meaning as friends and family are, not everyone is the same. Just because it worked miracles for them doesn’t mean that it will work for you, too. And for those over-achieving pals with overnight success, best to take the story with a grain of salt. Smile, nod and give your son a little time to grow up before you get started. Let your son set the pace. Odds are he’ll be ready sometime in his third year.
2. Set the stage. A few months before you are ready to start, go ahead and pick up a couple of books about using the potty. Put a toddler potty chair in the bathroom and let him get used to it. Be prepared, he may test it out as a hat, drag it around the house or attempt using it as a snack container at first. Don’t let it get to you! You might want to pick up a potty ring for boys or potty seat that is a stand-alone item. Some kids prefer a choice.
3. Get your son involved. Casually ask him to let you know when he needs a new diaper. If supplies are where he can reach, ask your son to bring you diapering supplies when he needs a change. 2-3 year-olds love to help and, in helping, he’ll become increasingly aware of his own habits.
4. Start with bath time. When you get your son undressed for his bath, encourage him to sit on his potty chair or potty seat. The running water can get things going in a hurry! If your son manages to pee in the potty, give him a sincere “Good job,” but don’t go over the top with praise. If nothing happens, that’s okay too. And, if he happens to pee in the tub, have a quick conversation about where a better place to pee might be. When potty training toddlers, it is important to involve them in the process and let them come up with their own solutions to problems.
5. It’s not a competition! Do not be tempted to get into “potty wars” with your friends who have children close in age to yours. It’s silly if you stop and think what you’re competing about. On the other hand, take advantage of more experienced moms. If you have a friend with a 5 or 6-year-old boy, talk to her about her experiences. She’ll give you sound advice without comparing her child to yours!
6. Ready. Set. Go. Your son is waking up dry from naps. He’s letting you know he’s going to fill a diaper before he does it. He’s asking to use the potty. Now is the time to start in earnest. If you haven’t already, pick up the book Everybody Poops. This is the tone you want to take with potty training – it’s important, but it’s not a big deal. No one gets a crown or a big ceremony when they learn to use the potty. It’s simply something everyone learns to do. Next time you’re out, pick up some big-boy underpants or let your son choose. Start on a weekend or when you know you’ll be mostly around the house. And let’s be realistic — you will have extra laundry. Saturday morning, dress your son in his new underpants – better yet, have him dress himself! Let him spend the day in underpants. Every thirty minutes or so, encourage him to sit on the potty. Have a stack of books or action figures nearby. Some people let their children move the potty chair from room to room until they get the hang of it. It’s your call.
7. The Mess!!!!! There will be accidents. Keep your cool. Handle accidents calmly and matter-of-factly. This is not a time to start a battle of wills. If after a week of sincere effort on both of your parts, you son is simply not getting the hang of it, put the big-boy pants away for a few weeks and try again later. No need to have big discussions or to make your son feel like he failed. He simply was not ready.
8. When Time Is an Issue. Some preschools/daycares insist that kids over three be potty trained. This is a big demand. Try a week of boot camp potty training. Ideally, you can plan this boot camp for warm weather. Basically, you are going to turn your son into a nudist for a week. The potty chair goes everywhere you do – outside, in the kitchen, you name it. Every 15 minutes give a potty reminder. This is also a time to consider bribery. 1 M&M for #1 and 2 M&Ms for #2. For most boys, this works. Near the end of the week, introduce underpants. Over the weekend, try real clothes AND underpants. The hardest thing will be for you to figure out running errands and keeping your sanity. This is not a time for play dates, park days, grocery shopping or just strolling through Target!
9. Out and About With the New Potty User. Once your son is using the potty on a regular basis, you will have to reconsider how you navigate the world. Try to always know where the nearest bathroom is when you are out. Be prepared to visit that bathroom at least once. Little kids LOVE to visit public bathrooms. Build time into errands for this reason. Travel with at least one change of clothes for both of you – accidents never happen at convenient times! If you are going on a longer trip, pack the potty chair! Line it with a kitchen trash bag and you’re ready to roll.
10. What about night time? Potty training during the day is one thing. Getting your child through the night without at least a pull-up is another story. Learning to use the potty is a big deal. Being three is a big deal. Most little boys sleep so soundly at night that they will not recognize the cues they’ve learned during the day. Stick to a diaper at night for another 6-12 months. When your son regularly wakes in the morning dry and clean, consider trying underwear at night. However, if your son still has nighttime issues, do not panic. Many little boys do not stay dry at night until they are nearly seven. Check with your pediatrician if you are concerned, but it is rarely anything to be concerned about.

Be sure to sign-up to our newsletter for more tips and tricks to help you through infant and toddler milestones. We’re potty and sleep experts and always happy to help!

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7 Tips for Reducing Allergens in the Nursery

mostapa — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:07:54 +0000

The Gist:

When babies are first born, their immune systems are still developing. Eliminating allergens in the nursery goes a long way toward keeping them healthy. In addition to reducing pet hair and keeping windows closed to reduce airborne pollen, selecting the right bedding and crib mattress makes a huge difference. Keeping your baby’s nursery clean and fresh can help eliminate bed bugs, dust mites and more. Here are seven tips to help limit the number of allergens and asthma instigators in your home and nursery!

The Tips:

Wash Bedding Often: Washing your little one’s sheets and pads at least once a week (more if needed) can help to remove dust mites and other allergens that can cling to bedding. Avoid using scented dryer sheets, as these have the potential to irritate baby’s sensitive skin; look for hypoallergenic ones. Buy at least 2-4 fitted crib sheets and 2-3 crib mattress pads for back-up when baby’s bedding is in the wash.

Use a Crib Mattress Encasement: Protect your infant or toddler’s mattress from bed bugs, dust mites and other household allergens. A crib mattress encasement helps guard against bed bugs and other asthma instigators by fully zippering around the mattress. Look for laboratory tested and approved crib and toddler mattress encasements to ensure 100% bed bug protection.

Help Keep Baby’s Air Cleaner: Air purifiers and humidifiers keep the air in baby’s nursery cleaner and fresher. A purifier helps remove airborne dust, pet dander and pollen from the air. A humidifier prevents dryness to help baby sleep better at night. If the room is too moist, a dehumidifier can eliminate moisture and help prevent mold. Only use purifiers and humidifiers for a limited time period and avoid aiming them on baby’s crib or dresser to prevent damage to wood furniture. Keeping windows and doors closed can help prevent allergens from coming into the home and baby’s bedroom.

Look for GREENGUARD Gold Certified Crib Mattresses: When shopping for baby’s crib mattress, look for the GREENGUARD® GOLD Certification. This certification is for indoor air quality and low chemical emissions — making your baby’s nursery a safer place to sleep. The GOLD standard is a more stringent test, ensuring a safer product for infants and toddlers. The Sealy Baby Comfort Cool Gel Crib Mattress is made with cotton organic cotton and rayon from bamboo for super soft and medical-grade protection.

Regularly Dust and Vacuum: To keep dust mites and other allergens at bay, vacuum and dust baby’s nursery often. Vacuuming and dusting 1-2 times a week can help eliminate allergens and keep the nursery clean.

Use Hypoallergenic Bedding: In addition to crib mattress encasements, crib mattress pads made with hypoallergenic materials can help eliminate allergy triggers. Look for mattress pads with waterproof barriers, natural cotton materials, hypoallergenic cushioning or tightly woven covers for extra protection against asthma instigators in baby’s nursery.

Wash Stuffed Toys Regularly: Stuffed toys can sometimes be a breeding ground for mites, mold and other germs. Washing your little one’s stuffed toys weekly can help keep them clean and free of germs and other allergens. Be sure to also keep stuffed toys out of baby’s bed. Not only does this help create a safe sleep environment, but it also prevents allergens from transferring to baby’s crib.

The Conclusion:

Here at Kolcraft, we’ve been creating nursery products for more than 70 years. With our Sealy Baby brand mattresses and other bedding products, you get quality you can trust along with the latest technology for helping to keep your nursery allergen free.

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Summer Sun Protection for Your Child

mostapa — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:05:31 +0000

The start to summer means plenty of sunshine and a lot of time outdoors — especially for kids. This is also a good time to remember some family sun tips!

Sunscreen

It takes 20-30 minutes for sunscreen to kick into full gear. Apply 30 minutes before your child goes outside instead of when they are heading out the door.
It’s easy to forget to put on sunscreen — especially when kids are excited to jump in the pool or run in the yard. Make the application process part of your child’s daily routine when they are getting dressed so you don’t forget.
Be generous in applying sunscreen and don’t forget ears and the back of the neck!
Create a game! Make up a silly song and have your child wiggle his toes when you are applying on his feet, shake his arm before you put it on his arm, etc.
Don’t be afraid to try different sunscreens. Some kids prefer the spray while others like the lotion or gel. See what works best for your little one.

Choose a kind that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Have shade time where your child takes a 10 – 30-minute break under a tree or umbrella so she isn’t in the sun continuously.
Re-apply every 2 hours if your child is in the water or sweating.
Check with your doctor first before applying sunscreen to your baby or child with sensitive skin.
Kids learn by imitation. Be sure to always put sunscreen on yourself and your child will pick up on your healthy habits!

Heat Exhaustion

Shade can be your best friend in the summer. If you’re planning a long day in the sun, find as many shade opportunities as you can (e.g. eating lunch).
Use strollers with extended canopies to cover your little one as much as possible. Toddlers and babies might not be aware of all the sun they’re getting while they are asleep.
Water is essential — even more so in the summer. It doesn’t take long for your body to become dehydrated (even if you don’t notice). Set reminders for yourself and your children to take a good gulp of water every 15-30 minutes.

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How To Balance Work and Parenting

mostapa — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:04:04 +0000

Balancing work and parenting is an on-going process and it certainly isn’t easy. Here are a few tips to get you through each day at a time.

Be realistic

You CANNOT do it all: be the perfect mom, perfect wife/husband and perfect employee, have a perfectly clean house, make homemade meals from scratch every night, workout every day and still have a smile on your face at 11 pm. It’s not going to happen. And the good thing? You don’t have to do it all to do most things well. All the childcare and home responsibilities can’t be entirely yours. Divide things up with your significant other or other family helpers.

Be organized

It’s harder to get things done when you are searching through stacks of paper or don’t have within reach what you need to get your job done. Take time to get organized before diving back into work. Clean your work area and make a list of goals and break them down into manageable tasks.

Be kind

You will constantly be giving to others – your boss, customers, your spouse, your kids — but you don’t have an endless supply of energy or effort. Be sure to take care of you and be kind to yourself. It may be as simple as taking a bubble bath or taking 10 minutes to enjoy a good cup of coffee – whatever you need to recharge your battery. Just make sure to build some “me” time into your schedule.

Be grateful

Take the time to appreciate those little parenting moments that you have with your family. You don’t need a wonderful vacation to be able to enjoy family time (although that is always nice). Every day there will be moments that you can connect with your children whether that be at a meal, a bedtime story, really enjoying their hugs and kisses, etc.

Be online

If you can afford it, see what services can help you with everyday chores. Perhaps it’s getting your groceries delivered through an online service like PeaPod or online dry cleaners, etc. With just a click of the mouse, you will be able to get household chores done!

Be present

Children are resilient and what is more important than parenting 24/7 is that when you are with your children, they have your undivided attention. Remember that seeing you happy and satisfied with your life is a great teacher/motivator.

Be forgiving

No matter how organized or how good your intentions are, there will be days that everything seems to fall apart. These are the times that you have to be forgiving to yourself, your family and your employer. Just remember that tomorrow is a new day full of opportunity.

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Keeping Kids Connected: Communication Fundamentals

mostapa — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:03:30 +0000

In this age of digital devices, our children are bombarded with high tech entertainment options. There is no doubt that these offer a welcome distraction for many parents trying to keep their little ones occupied, but even with the best educational app or stimulating game, we need to teach our children communication fundamentals. Just as we wouldn’t want kids to spend all their free time reading, drawing, or roller skating; neither should we allow them to be so immersed in the digital world that they miss out on the real one. While getting children to unplug and reconnect with their family and friends can be a challenge, it’s essential to their healthy development. Here are a few suggestions to help you raise well-rounded individuals.

Enjoy the great outdoors.

Take kids on a hike, a camping trip or a visit to a national park. If you’re not overly fond of the big woods yourself, opt for an overnight camp out in the backyard. Count the stars, listen to the night sounds and help children appreciate the wonders of their world. Introduce kids to sports and outdoor games like baseball and soccer. Take time to teach them the basics like how to throw a softball or football.

Go dark (just for a while)

Pull the plug and pretend the power’s out. Play board games by candlelight or gather the crew around the fireplace and roast marshmallows. Read out loud, or just talk to each other. An unexpected power failure can be fun — even for adults.

Focus on social skills.

Due to email and text, many of today’s kids are lacking in verbal communication skills. To combat this, teach them the art of polite conversation, the importance of making eye contact and one-on-one problem solving and negotiating skills. It will serve them well. Impersonal texts cannot solve many of life’s complex challenges. Start kids with a simple task like knocking on a friend’s door and asking them to play, then work up from there. Having children who are well-versed in technology is critical for their future. But those who are adept at connecting with people and the big, beautiful world as well, will likely be adults who enjoy greater success, measured by happiness, in the long run. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more ways to connect with your kids for a healthier life!

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How to Avoid a Tantrum

mostapa — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:01:59 +0000

Children are pretty great. They are funny and cute — the most entertaining and lovable things on the planet. But all of that adorable sweetness come at a price…terrible twos mark the beginning of tantrums and seemingly irrational behavior. Even the coolest among us would agree that when the blood-curdling screams start, it can be hard to remember why you like them at all!

The Science of a Tantrum

Tantrums are your child’s way of expressing themselves since they don’t have a concept of proper reactions or developed social skills such as communication, negotiating or understanding the rewards of delayed gratification. They can’t define the emotion other than the fact that they don’t like it, so their feelings can be overwhelming. With no problem-solving abilities, the only thing they can do is react. If tantrums are severe and your child is consistently inconsolable, you may want to think about talking to your pediatrician. Sometimes, there are more significant factors at play such ADHD or Autism.

How to Respond

As they test their will and your boundaries, it can quickly seem like they are in charge instead of you. Getting angry at them and lashing out seldom helps. We are advocates of gentle, supportive parenting, which models thoughtful behavior and helps keep children calm. Deeps breaths, counting to 10 and hugging can work wonders. Many parents have success being silly or simply ignoring the tantrum. To be honest, nothing works 100% of the time and different kids respond to different incentives. While we all agree that you shouldn’t give in, there are times and situations where choosing the path of least resistance has its own reward. There is no perfect strategy that works for every kid or parent — sometimes we deserve a break.

Tips for Keeping Your Cool

Remind yourself that eventually the screaming and the random flailing will end; tomorrow you’ll wake up and love them just as much as you did today. When it’s more than you can bear, make sure they are safe and then walk away. Tell them that “Mommy needs a time out” and then move to the next room or ask a neighbor to stop by and give you a 30-minute break. Create a wall of favorite photographs and remember the times when they made you laugh harder than you ever thought possible. All too soon, they will move on to being irrational teenagers and test your patience all over again. Then, you’ll be wishing they were little once again!

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Count Down to Potty Trained

mostapa — Tue, 22 May 2018 21:00:32 +0000

Are you a parent preparing to send your baby off to preschool? If so, potty training is probably something on your mind! Many preschools require that children are toilet trained before the first day, which can be stressful to think about if you haven’t yet begun potty training. Summer is in full swing and school will be here before you know it—if your little one isn’t potty trained yet and her school requires it, it is time to begin! Although the thought of this experience can be exhausting, potty training doesn’t have to be stressful or hard! Make this exciting and rewarding experience a little easier by following a few tips:

Pick a day to start training and circle it on the calendar with a bright marker. Making your child aware that this is a special day and hopefully that will get them excited for this new step!
Think like a coach. Remember that you are teaching your child a new skill so be firm, but also encouraging.
Know when it’s time to stop. If your child doesn’t urinate or produce a bowel movement in 3-6 minutes, it’s better to stop and try later.
Reward accomplishments. Don’t forget to tell your child how proud of him you are! Whether you sing his praises or give him a special treat, they will know that this comes with a successful trip to the toilet.

With these tips in mind, all that is left is to choose a potty! Picking a potty is an essential step and can help your child enjoy the process. With a fun and interactive one, your child will look forward to this new challenge! Elmo makes potty training fun with the Sesame Street Elmo Hooray 3-in-1 Potty. This training potty resembles a real toilet with flush handle to help the child’s transition to an adult toilet easier. Your child is sure to love the interactive features and will feel accomplished by the new step they are taking!

Features we love:

· Flush handle with encouraging Elmo phrases and flush sounds.
· Waste cup removes easily for disposal and quick cleaning.
· Seat adapter removes easily for use on most adult toilets.
Seat comes down and becomes a step stool.

The thought of tackling this milestone can be stressful, and the process is oftentimes a lot of work, but it is something all parents and children have to go through — so know that you’re not alone. The beginning of school is stressful enough without the added challenge of your child needing to be potty trained beforehand. With a fun potty and these helpful tips, you’ll be ready to send your little one off to school in no time!

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